Hermanas: Deepening Our Identity and Growing Our Influence

Natalia Kohn, Noemi Vega Quiñones, Kristy Garza Robinson

Intervarsity Press (JANUARY) Softcover $16 (208pp) 978-0-8308-4561-3

In Hermanas, Natalia Kohn, Noemi Vega Quiñones, and Kristy Garza Robinson construct a lighthouse with love, built on the examples of biblical women as well as each author’s personal experiences, to draw their Christian Latina sisters out from the margins and into greater prominence within the church.

Unafraid to confront the obstacles that Latinas face within a majority white culture, this collection of essays offers encouragement to women called to spiritual leadership. The authors explore the stories of twelve biblical women and relate them to the Latina experience. Some (Deborah, Esther, Mary of Bethany, and Mary, mother of Jesus) are expected, while others (the Shulamite woman in Song of Solomon and the bleeding woman healed by Jesus) are intriguing inclusions in the list of biblical women leaders.

Although some of the topics discussed are heavy, including the US’S political climate, the reality of sex trafficking, and domestic abuse within the Latina context, the authors never plunge into cynicism. Rather, their approach is gentle and focused on building up Christian Latinas. They remind women to seek the source of their true identity, Jesus, instead of relying on the messages and labels received from the world.

The work’s biblical exegesis is often creative, though at times it can seem more eisegetical. One of the strongest essays examines Lydia and her working relationship with Paul. Here, Natalia Kohn calls for healing between men and women, urging them to partner together in the work of the church rather than succumbing to power struggles. Like Lydia, women are capable and have vibrant, knowledgeable voices that should be heeded.

The admiration-inspiring essays of Hermanas address Latinas with a Christian community-building spirit.